Questions 141-143 refer to the following newspaper article.

The Evergreen Department Store has been hit hard by the current recession.
Sales have been_____at a rapid rate. "Fewer and fewer customers are

141. (A) decreasing
        (B) increasing
        (C) maintaining
        (D) advertising

coming into the store, " says Violet Dupree, floor manager at Evergreen. Ms.
Dupree explained that earnings during the past fiscal year were the worst
the store had ever seen since it opened for business 25 years ago. She went
on to say, "The worst part of it is that we have had to _____ a number

142. (A) train
        (B) lay off
        (C) take on
        (D) interview

of fine employees." Job loss is becoming a more widespread problem as the
recession deepens, and applications for unemployment _____ are on

143. (A) beneficiaries
        (B) benefactors
        (C) beneficial
        (D) benefits

the rise. Evergreen is just one more in a logn list of local businesses that have
been falling victim to the current economic crisis.




Questions 144-146 refer to the following letter.

April 21, 20--

Martha Dinsmore
Pet Supply Company
3774 State Street
Westminister, VA

Dear Ms.Dinsmore,

This is to serve as a letter of recommendation for Andrew Richardson, a former
employee of my company, PT, Inc. Mr.Richardson _____ for my company

144. (A) works
        (B) worked
        (C) has worked
        (D) had worked

for three years, from June of 20-- until he left to continue his university studies
two years ago. Mr.Richardson was a great asset to my company. He always
fulfilled his responsibilities in a careful and thorough manner. He was also
extremely _____. We could always count on him to do what he promised

145. (A) punctual
        (B) prepared
        (C) reliable
        (D) organized

to do. He was eager to pursue professional development opportunities and
attended a number of training workshops while employed by PT.His upbeat
personality was also a great addition to out workplace. I think everyone on the
PT staff would agree that it was indeed a pleasure to work with _____.

146. (A) he
        (B) us
        (C) her
        (D) him

I highly recommend Mr.Richardson for the position he has applied for at your
company. If you have any questions. please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Patricia Thompson
President




Questions 147-149 refer to the following notice.

STORE POLICY REGARDING RETURNED MERCHANDISE

Customer satisfaction is our top priority. If you are dissatisfied with your
purchase for any reason, you may return it to the store for a full _____.

147. (A) refund
        (B) refusal
        (C) referral
        (D) restoration

no questions asked, providing the following conditions are met:

• The item is returned with its original packaging intact.
• The item is accompanied by the store receipt.
• The item is returned within 30 days of purchase.

Customers returning items after 30 days but within 90 days of purchase or
without _____ original packaging will receive store credit. We are

148. (A) its
        (B) his
        (C) their
        (D) your

sorry but we cannot accept returns on items after 90 days of the purchase
date or without a store receipt. Any questions about the return policy
should _____ to the Management Office.

149. (A) direct
        (B) directs
        (C) directed
        (D) be directed

Questions 150-152 refer to the following advertisement.

Misty View Office Complex has several office spaces for rent. Misty
View is _____ located near several bus lines and is just a short,

150. (A) convenient
        (B) convenience
        (C) conveniently
        (D) conventionally

five-block walk from the subway station. Your clients who drive will never
have to worry about finding a place to park. Misty View has _____

151. (A) scarce
        (B) ample
        (C) covered
        (D) underground

Visitor parking. Tenant parking is also available for an additional monthly fee.
Rents start at $2 per square foot, all utilities included. Six-month, one-year,
and five-year leases are available. _____ this opportunity to locate

152. (A) Miss
        (B) Missing
        (C) Don't miss
        (D) Shouldn't miss

your business in the city's prime office building. Call our leasing office today
to make an appointment to visit Misty View and find out why it has become
the city's most desirable business location.




Answers Explained 141-152